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Interview Tips to Help Land Your Dream Job

February 20, 2015 / Sara Davis / Land Your Dream Job

Be prepared, conquer the interview and get the job!

You spent a great deal of time polishing your resume and putting together an excellent cover letter, and now here you are, preparing for the big interview. You have gotten this far and you know you can succeed at this job, all that is standing between you and your dream is the interview. But many people are intimidated by interviews. The idea of responding to questions on the fly can be a daunting one, especially when you realize you are not the only one fighting for this position. But standing out above the other prospects doesn't need to be a challenge. With a little confidence and a bit of research you can nail that dream job.

Getting the interview is not the same as getting the job, you know that. So keep working hard up until the interview. Consider the following tips for landing your dream job:

Do your research.

It is tempting to put your feet up and toast yourself with a mini celebration after getting the call that you have gotten an interview, but don't get too psyched. Don't misunderstand, getting an interview based on your experience and resume is a significant step in the job hunting process, but it isn't the end. Now that you have been offered to come in for an interview, it is time to buckle down and do your research, according to Lifehack. You want to know all about the company you are interviewing with, even aspects that don't specifically pertain to your potential job. You should know not only what the company does, but read entries from their blog, learn the names of company leaders and familiarize yourself with their website and social media platforms. The more you know about the company, the more impressed your interviewers will be. Additionally, you will make it clear that you want to be part of this company and care about what it is they do.

Prepare for questions.

Obviously you are going to be asked questions during your interview and weighed on your responses. Prepare your answers ahead of time, as recommended by Graphic Design USA Magazine.

"Show them you are right for the job."

Sure, you don't know exactly what you are going to be asked, but you can certainly have an idea. Read the job description and qualifications, as you will definitely be asked about those. But also, when doing your research, put your own experiences into context of what the company does. So, in addition to preparing answers, you'll be remembering stories and examples of experiences you have had in your life and how they are applicable to this job. Proving to an interviewer that not only are you qualified, but that you also relate to the job will be a huge bonus for you. This level of familiarity will demonstrate to an interviewer that you can adapt and fit right in with this company.

Dress appropriately.

It is no secret that first impressions matter. There is no better time when this rule applies than an interview. But while you want to look your best, you don't want to overdo it. That being said, you do want to demonstrate your unique style in a subtle way, according to Forbes. This doesn't mean not looking professional or wearing a suit coat that is entirely inappropriate. It means demonstrating your heritage by wearing a small flag pin on your lapel, or earrings that are fun, but not too big or distracting. Your clothing should represent your personality and professionalism at the same time. Look your best for an interview, but don't remove your inner self from what you are wearing. Interviewers want to know what you will bring to the table, both culturally and professionally, so don't be too timid to show them.

Stand out in your interview.

Have confidence.

None of the other tips matter if you are not comfortable and confident in your appearance and abilities. The company called you in for an interview because you impressed them already, either with a resume or introduction or cover letter. Trust that they are looking forward to the interview as much as you are. They need this position filled and are asking you if you will be the one to fill it. You need to believe in yourself and know that you are indeed the perfect fit. Be honest and direct, and ask questions as well as answer them fully. At the end of the day, it won't be your outfit or your resume that land you your dream job, it'll be you.

You know what you have to do to land your dream job. With these tips and your experience you are armed and ready to go. All you have to do now is have the willingness to go and get it.

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2 Comments

Great tips, this article was of great help to me. Especially the preparing for questions was a tricky point for me. I’ve actually translated this article to Dutch, added a little tips of information and tips and also made an infographic of it.

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